Best of Juneau: Whale Watching, Mendenhall Glacier & Orca Point Lodge Meal

6.25 hours | Juneau | J N U - 6 5 0
Average Guest Rating
From
$ 219.95

Points of Interest

  • Mendenhall Glacier
  • Outdoor Adventures
  • Whale Watching
Shopping Opportunities, Includes meal, Easy activity

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

Following a short motorcoach ride to Auke Bay, board a water jet-powered catamaran specially designed for Alaskan waters and wildlife viewing. The warm, comfortable and spacious main cabin with panoramic windows welcomes you. Admire the majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers as your experienced captain guides you through the island-studded waters of Stephens Passage on this award-winning excursion.

As you cruise, an onboard naturalist will explain the habits and habitats of the wildlife you may encounter. You'll want to have your camera ready when you spot Steller sea lions, harbor seals, Dall's porpoises, bald eagles, Sitka blacktail deer and occasionally, bears. Of course, no whale-watching tour would be complete without seeing whales, and we are so confident in our Alaskan crew's ability to spot whales that if you don't see one of these magnificent creatures, you will be receive a $100.00 cash refund when you disembark the tour vessel. But don't anticipate one, as whales have been spotted on every tour for the past 15 years!

The Inside Passage waters near Juneau support a very healthy humpback whale population. These magnificent mammals spend the summer months in the nutrient-rich waters before heading to Hawaii to mate and give birth. The whales have a breathing cycle that typically lasts four to six minutes; surfacing several times in quick succession to recharge their oxygen supply, then showing their massive tail flukes before disappearing into the depths to feed on krill and small schooling fish. Be sure to have your binoculars and cameras ready.

At the completion of your cruise, step ashore at the lovely Orca Point Lodge on Colt Island to enjoy a deluxe salmon bake buffet. Feast on grilled wild Alaska salmon, chicken kabobs, vegetable medley, rice pilaf, coleslaw, fresh-hot rolls and desserts. You'll have free time to watch for wildlife through deck-mounted spotting scopes, visit the marine life touch pools and stroll on the beach before re-boarding your catamaran for the return cruise to Auke Bay.

A narrated motorcoach ride to the world-famous Mendenhall Glacier is the third event in your unforgettable day. Formed during the Little Ice Age, which began about 3,000 years ago, the glacier is fed from an icefield high above Juneau. From across an iceberg-dotted lake you will see the dynamic flowing force, carving its way seaward. Sustained by the geography and unique climate of the area, Mendenhall Glacier has been able to survive much longer than other glaciers in North America. Its existence continues to provide us with new insights into past, present, and future climatic conditions.

Built into a cliff above the valley you will find the glacier's visitor's center. Interactive displays and U.S. Forest Service interpreters offer history and insight to this breathtaking, natural phenomenon. Through the center's large picture windows you will have uninterrupted views of the glacier and the lovely walking trails.

A relaxing, scenic drive back to the ship is a wonderful way to end this memorable day in Juneau.

Special Notes:

Warm, layered clothing is recommended. Tour order may vary. Tour operator is authorized under special use permit to access the Tongass National Forest. Does not include walking on the glacier. Visit at the glacier is self-guided as your driver is not permitted to conduct tours.

Meal: Fresh grilled wild Alaska salmon, chicken kabobs, vegetable medley, rice pilaf, coleslaw, rolls, dessert, coffee, tea, cocoa, water

Unaccompanied Minor Policy: Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Details

Tour timeline may vary to avoid overcrowding, etc.

Tour to Auke Bay

Transport type:
Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
53
Travel time:
00:25
Air conditioned:
Yes
Steps:
4
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest with stop at Orca Point Lodge

Transport type:
Catamaran
Transport Capacity:
145
Time at site:
02:30
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
Yes
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Salmon meal at Orca Point Lodge

Time at site:
01:00
Free time at site:
60
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
100
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Cruise back to Auke Bay

Transport type:
Catamaran
Transport Capacity:
145
Travel time:
00:30
Air conditioned:
Yes
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Tour to Mendenhall Glacier

Transport type:
Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
53
Travel time:
00:15
Air conditioned:
Yes
Steps:
4
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Visit Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Time at site:
01:00
Free time at site:
60
Inside visit:
Yes
Air conditioned:
No
Walking distance:
250
Wheelchair accessible:
Yes
Restroom available:
Yes
Shopping available:
Yes
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes

Tour back to cruise ship pier

Transport type:
Motorcoach
Transport Capacity:
53
Travel time:
00:25
Air conditioned:
Yes
Steps:
4
Wheelchair accessible:
No
Restroom available:
No
Shopping available:
No
Photo/video restrictions:
No
Photo/video opportunity:
Yes